Trump holds second rally in Butler, Pennsylvania

BUTLER, Pennsylvania — On the same site as the assassination attempt earlier this year, Former President Donald Trump held a major rally on Saturday.

Tens of thousands of supporters turned out to see Trump’s promised return to the field where Thomas Crooks nearly took his life on July 13. 

Meanwhile, a live broadcast of the event on X amassed more than 10 million viewers.

With only 30 days remaining before the presidential election, this rally comes at a critical time for both candidates. Both campaigns have been ramping up efforts across several critical swing states, encouraging both ardent supporters and undecided voters to get involved.

Before the rally

Upon touching down in Pennsylvania, the former president met with the family of Cory Comperatore, who was killed by stray bullets fired by Crooks. Comperatore shielded his family with his own body during the attack. 

Security was dramatically heightened at this rally, a theme the Trump campaign has kept in recent months. Mike Slupe, the county sheriff, told local news that he believed the Secret Service was using “quadruple the assets” it did on July 13. 

Meanwhile, tractor trailers stood between the stage and the rooftop from which Crooks attacked. The rally also used a new bleacher arrangement, placing more seating to the side and less behind Trump.

Before Trump spoke, his running mate J.D. Vance addressed what was already a massive crowd. Vance criticized Democrats for calling Trump a ‘threat to democracy’ and pointed to the assassination attempt, which he linked to the use of inflammatory language this election season.

“You heard the shots. You saw the blood. We all feared the worst,” Vance said. “But you knew everything would be OK when President Trump raised his fist high in the air and shouted, ‘Fight, fight!’”

Trump takes the stage

“As I was saying,” Trump loudly proclaimed upon arriving at the podium. He turned and gestured to a screen displaying the same immigration chart he had been discussing when Crooks opened fire.

Trump in Butler, PA:

“So, as I was saying.”

🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jlLoLoUSTb

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 5, 2024

 

During the rally, Trump and several others paid tribute to Comperatore. The former president called for a moment of silence in his honor, and an artist completed a painting of the fallen firefighter in front of the crowd. A bell tolled for each of the four people injured or killed in the assassination attempt.

Shortly into his speech, Former President Trump put proceedings on hold when an attendee experienced a medical issue requiring attention. As they waited for medical care to be administered, the crowd began singing the Star Spangled Banner. 

Another major supporter

Also speaking at Saturday’s rally was tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been strongly outspoken in support of Trump’s re-election. Musk had hosted a broadcast featuring Trump on his social media platform, X, in August. 

This was the first time that Musk spoke at one of Trump’s campaign events.

“He saved free speech,” Trump said before beckoning Musk up to the podium. Musk leapt excitedly onto the stage, pumping his fists in the air and shaking the former president’s hand.

Musk focused his speech primarily on the importance of voting. He stated that this election was particularly important.

“I have one ask for everyone … register to vote!” Musk said. “And get everyone you know, and everyone you don’t know! Drag them to register to vote. Text people now! And then make sure they actually do vote. If they don’t, this’ll be the last election. That’s my prediction. Nothing’s more important.”

Elon Musk also spoke on his belief in freedom of speech.

“You must have free speech in order to have democracy. That’s why it’s the First Amendment,” Musk said. “President Trump must win to preserve the Constitution. He must win to preserve democracy in America.”

The rally concludes

As the three hour proceedings drew to a close, Trump concluded with a rallying cry to his supporters.

“Together with the great people of Pennsylvania, we will make America powerful again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America healthy again. We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will make America great again!”